City parks and recreation master plan nearly ready

The final draft of Carson City's Parks and Recreation master plan will be presented to the department's commissioners during a meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Focus groups expressed a stronger desire for natural areas rather than neighborhood parks and showed favor toward multi-use indoor recreation facilities. These residents also said they would support efforts to bring more sports tournaments to the city, according to the plan. The tournaments would not only bring events for public enjoyment - they would also enhance the local economy by bringing in tourism dollars.

Predicted increases in the number of seniors and Hispanics means that the Parks and Recreation will be providing more activities and other offerings. Cultural and theater offerings were very important to residents surveyed. More than half of the respondents said they would like to see the Bob Boldrick Theater in the community center improved, even if taxes need to be raised, according to the plan.

Though the city used focus groups and surveyed residents to come up with their findings, residents are urged to offer comments, especially now, before it's too late, said Park Planner Vern Krahn.

"Tuesday might be the most strategic opportunity for us to be able to have public comments," Krahn said. "It will be a lot easier to work in new ideas now rather than later."

Copies of the plan will be available at the Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop St., and online at carsoncitymaster plan.com. For information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 887-2115.

n Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.